The management of Osun State University (UNIOSUN) has denied allegations of negligence in the death of a final-year student, Grace Osunlakin, following protests by students who accused the institution of failing to provide timely medical care.
Osunlakin, a 400-level student in the Department of Criminology and Security Studies at the university’s Ifetedo Campus, died after reportedly developing health complications on the night of June 24. Her death triggered demonstrations by students, who alleged that inadequate healthcare services and delayed emergency response contributed to the tragedy.
Some protesting students claimed the campus health centre was either closed or ill-equipped to handle emergencies outside regular hours, arguing that the deceased could have survived had she received prompt medical attention. The incident also prompted calls from student bodies, including the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and the Osun State University Students’ Union, for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.
However, the university has rejected claims that Osunlakin was denied treatment at its medical facility.
In a statement issued by the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Ademola Adesoji, the university said preliminary findings showed that the student was never taken to the University Health Centre on the night of the incident.
According to the statement, Osunlakin successfully defended her final-year project earlier that day and showed no visible signs of illness while on campus. The university added that she had a documented history of asthma and had previously received treatment at the institution’s health centre.
Management said testimonies from her housemate and friends indicated that she returned from a Christian fellowship before complaining of stomach pain. When her condition worsened later in the evening, efforts were made to take her to the nearby Community Health Centre at Ikija, Ifetedo.
The university explained that transportation was hampered by movement restrictions associated with an unannounced Oro traditional rite in the community. Upon arrival at the health centre, Osunlakin reportedly lost consciousness and was later confirmed dead by the attending matron. She was subsequently taken to a specialist hospital in Ondo State, where doctors confirmed she was dead on arrival.
UNIOSUN maintained that at no point was the deceased presented at the university’s medical centre on the night of her death, insisting that social media reports suggesting otherwise were inaccurate.
The institution expressed condolences to Osunlakin’s family and pledged to continue reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident. It also announced the indefinite closure of the Ifetedo Campus to ease tensions following the protests and allow for a comprehensive assessment of healthcare facilities, medical personnel and other welfare concerns on the campus.
Meanwhile, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke described the student’s death as “painful and deeply heartbreaking” and directed the state’s Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the university management, to conduct a comprehensive review of healthcare delivery across all UNIOSUN campuses. The review will focus on strengthening emergency response systems, improving medical facilities and ensuring students have timely access to quality healthcare.
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding Osunlakin’s death are ongoing, with both the university and student representatives calling for a transparent process to establish the facts.
